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'Re-energized' Soto coming through for Texas

'Re-energized' Soto coming through for Texas

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ARLINGTON -- The biggest difference between playing for the Cubs and Rangers, according to Geovany Soto, isn't anything that happens on the field or even in the clubhouse. It's how the Rangers make their way to and from road trips.

"The airplanes are really amazing," Soto said. "It was something that really shocked me. It looks weird. It was big first-class seats from the first one to the last one. I felt like I got called up all over again."

Since Mike Napoli was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left quad Aug. 11, Soto has taken over as the Rangers' everyday catcher. He had only one hit in his first 15 at-bats in that role, but has since gone 6-for-15 with three RBIs in his last five games.

"Maybe he's getting re-energized," manager Ron Washington said. "He's playing for something. Maybe we can get it back. He's getting that bat head through the zone. He's settling in. He's getting more and more comfortable. He's certainly doing a good job of catching."

The Rangers hold a six-game lead in the AL West entering Tuesday's game against the Orioles and are 12-7 since acquiring Soto and Ryan Dempster from the Cubs, who are 27 games below .500 and hold the second-worst record in the Majors.

"I feel like it's somewhat of a new season," Soto said. "I feed off of these guys' energy and the chemistry they've got going. It's pretty special. You try to get on board, try to be part of the family. It feels good."